How might you have celebrated your emancipation?

For many African-Americans, “Juneteenth” celebrations were popular throughout the South in the years after the Civil War . Originating in Texas, Juneteenth was thought of as the “Fourth of July” for African Americans, because it was on June 19, 1865 that slaves in Galveston officially learned they were free. The observance of Juneteenth spread throughout the South and Southwest. African-American towns and communities turned out in force to celebrate. The festivities began with a prayer and speeches, then moved on to other activities such as a rodeo and baseball games. There was, of course, a barbeque and plenty of food and drink, including something special—strawberry soda pop!

Many African Americans who had been born into slavery wrote or told about their experiences. What do you think would have been the hardest part of being a slave? Check out the autobiography or narrative of a former slave at your local library and read about what his or her life was like.